Seeds & Pits
Can cats eat cherry pits and apple seeds?
If your cat ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Cats face the same cyanide risk as dogs if they chew through cherry pits or apple seeds, and whole stone fruit pits are additionally a choking and obstruction hazard.
Toxic principle: amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that releases hydrogen cyanide when the seed coat is broken
Watch for
- rapid breathing
- bright red gums
- dilated pupils
- difficulty breathing
- vomiting
- seizures
- collapse
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-12
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat cherry pits and apple seeds?
Cats face the same cyanide risk as dogs if they chew through cherry pits or apple seeds, and whole stone fruit pits are additionally a choking and obstruction hazard.
What should I do if my cat ate cherry pits and apple seeds?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
What symptoms should I watch for with cherry pits and apple seeds and cats?
rapid breathing, bright red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures, collapse. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
Read our methodology for how every cat food verdict is sourced and reviewed.